Meeting breaks are great opportunities to help improve your productivity. Especially in meetings of an hour or longer, taking a break will help participants re-energize and focus on the task at hand.

You don’t need an aerobics instructor – just be safe and have fun. People can stretch, take a short walk down the hall and back (or around the block), or be more active, depending on the circumstances. You can choose whether to take your activity break indoors or outdoors. Ensure there’s enough space and clearance for everyone to be active. You might want to play some lively music, too.

Here are some more tips for active meeting breaks:

Planning the Meeting:

• Choose a location where people can safely and easily get up and stretch, or take a walk. Provide maps if the area is unfamiliar.   
• Include physical activity on the meeting agenda so people can plan for it (e.g., bringing walking shoes, umbrellas, casual clothing).
• Encourage networking by suggesting groups take a walk together and talk about their common goals.
• For overnight events, organize before- or after-meeting physical activity opportunities. Provide locations and hours for nearby swimming pools and recreation centres, as well as maps of the area where people may want to walk or jog.
• Have someone designated to lead the activity. Have staff rotate the role.
• Plan breakfast walking meetings to get people up and moving.  Plan lunches and dinners offsite, but close enough to walk to.
  

Before the Activity – tell participants that the break is:

• Completely voluntary.
• A chance to move at a comfortable pace. They don’t need to sweat.
• Between 3 and 10 minutes long, to get muscles warm and the heart pumping.
• A reason to smile.
• An energizer for the rest of the meeting.
  

Physical Activity Ideas for Meeting Breaks

• Slowly stretch neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, legs and feet – avoid bouncing and jerky movements.
  
• Move arms, head and torso in circles.
  
• March in place.
  
• Lead a brisk walk around the room; consider using the stairs or going outside.
  
• Suggest that if participants want a more vigorous workout, they can lift their knees higher or pump their arms.